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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

10 Tips for a Routine Motorcycle Inspection

Our bikes carry the most precious cargo there is - us. Taking
time for a routine inspection can make a big difference when it comes to
safety and our enjoyment of the ride. No one wants to be stranded on
the side of the road, or have an accident because of mechanical failure.
We
know that we're vulnerable on the road and that riding a motorcycle
carries risk. We can do a lot to lesson that risk by making both we and
our bikes are fit and ready to ride.
Pre-ride inspections confirm
they're worthy to carry us; checking them post-ride will catch any
parts that may have come loose and we'll be able to note minor changes
before they become major problems.
Your best resource is your owner's manual. Make these items part of your regular checks:

Tires:

Pressure: Measure when tires are cold. Both the tire and
motorcycle manufacturer will have specifications and in all likelihood,
front and rear tires will be different.

Tread: If you're down to the wear bars, it's time for new tires.
Look for worn tread, uneven wear, cracks, bulges, cupping, and any
foreign objects. The photo shows something we found at one of our
workshops.

Spokes: Uniformly tight and intact; they can be tightened with a spoke wrench. Rims need to be true with no dents.

Drive System: Unless it's electric, your bike will
have either a chain, belt drive or drive shaft. Make sure chain tension
is correct and that it's well lubricated. Check drive belt for wear and
tension; if you have a shaft drive, check fluid levels and that there
are no leaks.

Cables & hoses: No fraying or kinking; no binding when handlebars are activated.

Fluid levels: Oil, brake fluid, transmission, and
coolant. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct way to assess.
Make sure there are no leaks.

Bonus: Look in the mirror. Make sure that you are physically, mentally and emotionally fit to ride.

Liz Jansen
Liz Jansen, Ontario, Canada, is an author,entrepreneur, adventurer -- and rider extraordinaire.
She
creates motorcycle experiences that instill a sense of adventure,
freedom and community while traveling the transformative road to
personal and professional leadership.
Liz's book Women,
Motorcycling and the Road to Empowerment uses motorcycling as a metaphor
to demonstrate the self-discovery and transformation that occurs when
we challenge ourselves. Go to http://www.lizjansen.com for details.
For a toolbox of motorcycle related tips, go to http://www.trilliumtours.com.